The Sapphire Sorceress
Disclaimer: The rights to Kingdom Hearts belong to Disney and Square Enix.
Act 24: The Graceful Assassin
"The Keyblade wielder's power... How fascinating."
Castle Oblivion: ( Aqua's POV )
The reflection before me shows who is in front of a mirror. The image of a female with blue locks of hair, but she does not look happy, sad, angry, bored, and sleepy. In truth she can't really have any form of emotion, and to her surprise it was because of a lack of a heart. My hand reached out trying to find a place on my reflection's face. Unchanging due to the nature of a nobody, we can't ever age or change in appearance. Forever stuck in a state of emptiness until our shells become whole once more.
'I'd grown stronger, and yet everything that I was remains so far away.'
Indeed even with the memories of my past I could not express enjoyment from that. Not only did they remind me of things that I've lost the fact was it brought up this reality I was living in. For now however it seemed like Marluxia's scheme was going to come into fruition today. The water of the shower's hot embrace did not calm my body down, the liquid pouring down my skin could not renew my spirits much like anything else.
As my routine of dressing myself began I knew after the end of this day nothing was going to stay the same here. Whatever happens here will get determined by the actions of the "Lord" and his chosen guest. That does not mean events won't get manipulated by others in this castle. Vexen and the others below would prove that most likely, but Axel's words still ran through my head.
"So many roads lay before me, and now I must decide which one to cross." Yes such a decision would leave consequences for everyone. Before that of course I wanted to see this boy first hand considering I was once a keyblade wielder myself. I decided to check up on the basement looking for Vexen and the others to find Namine. I have not gotten to see her ever since I regained my lost memories.
"Hello? Anybody around here?" To my surprise no one was around the lab area that belonged to Vexen. A lot of research notes, beakers full of weird fluids, some tubes containing lesser nobodies, and computer monitors were decorating the room. My curious nature wanted to read some of the notes here trying to figure out what the "Chilly Academic" has done recently.
"Yes it seems like our research team has abandoned us for the moment." The figure in front of me didn't have his hood taken down which caught me off-guard. I began to wonder if this was a trick as the cloaked-figure didn't want to show his face.
"Look I'm not trying to do anything except find out where Namine is nothing more." Despite the fact she was not affiliated with the organization she was a nobody, and that meant she needs to come into our care like the lesser nobodies. The figure seemed amused by my words.
"Already attached to her when you don't even know her real potential? I always figured you were the motherly type of our group." Those pink petals flowing out let me realize exactly who I was speaking to now.
"Marluxia, were you trying to question me like Axel has done to me lately or something?" His expression quickly turned into surprise did he not know about that? Something was going on here, and it seemed like not everyone knew everything.
"Namine is enjoying herself in the higher levels drawing her mind away. She's waiting on her "friend" to reach her once he arrives." He must have referred about Sora, but then how does he know her if they never met? Even now Marluxia is influencing events causing me to grip my hands tightly.
"So our little keyblade warriors is coming shortly...what do you want me to do then?" There was no need to get the appointed head of this castle angry just yet. His blue eyes were scanning my face reading me for a moment. I remained expressionless as he just shrugged his shoulders.
"Nothing just yet, but once he reaches a few floors I want you to step in like Larxene, myself, and Axel will. Merely play with him in a battle since we want him to continue climbing upwards towards "her" after all." So his plan was already underway then, but that can only mean I'm out of time. Should I obey or deny his orders? Time slowed to a crawl as I realized this was the moment everything was leading up to, but I didn't know how to respond.
This is not a dream, all of this was my reality. The weight on my shoulders would have made me fall down, this was not going to ruin me yet a choice needed to become decided on.
"Do you believe that you can perform this task for your lord?" The look in his eyes made it clear anything besides a yes would result in something horrible for myself. Sure I could deny his request, but that would not get me closer to learning about his real agenda here.
"Very well I will greet this chosen one once you ask it." Play the role while acting as the "pawn" in the game. Marluxia once more was trying to read my expression for anything that would suggest I'm going to betray his order. The emotionless my body felt helped in convincing him of my "loyalty" towards the mission, but I just wanted to see what his endgame would have in store for us.
"Excellent, and once everything goes as planned there will be another keyblade in the arsenal of the organization." So he really is trying to lure Sora into his hands but how? For now I would have to remain quiet on this matter until I could learn more about this. Does Axel know about this well, and could this be why he warned me?
"For now you can return to the upper floors where Axel, Larxene, and yes even Namine is waiting." She was up on the higher level? Why didn't he just tell me this earlier now I can see if she is okay. Walking up to leave the room
Marluxia went over to the monitors.
"Hmm Vexen has put in a lot of details about your performance and status Auxaq." Vexen? Marluxia was showing me a file with my name written on the top of the page. Reaching out for the document he quickly made it disappear from my sight. What kind of scheme was he plotting now?
"Watch it now Auxaq, sneaking around to read things behind the backs of other members could be considered treason. Still the information could be connected to you so I suppose that it can stay a secret if you behave..."
So he's using that to extort me into following his orders? He must not trust me words if he needs to use this against me. Fine play with more people's lives you will see why that could be a mistake in the future. I didn't reply simply giving him a nod of compliance leaving the room to gather myself. So it seems like I might become Axel's enemy in whatever is coming, but perhaps I can turn all of this around on Marluxia.
Arriving up in the higher area I came into the room with the circular sphere in the middle of the room. Thankfully Marluxia was correct as both Axel and Namine were hanging around here, and the young nobody was just drawing something in her book.
"Now that's our bluebird! I've wondered if you would make it to watch the curtain rise on Marluxia's little play." His green eyes lit up with fake excitement knowing Sora's arrival was imminent in the castle. I walked over to Namine trying to see her new drawing, but she drew back from me.
"Please, don't come any closer..." Her body inched away from my hand just like the first day I got to meet her, and her voice was just as quiet. How could she revert back to her old self like this being so afraid of everyone. Axel also frowned at this action.
"Hey listen you don't need to feel scared it's only me and-"
"It's not you Auxaq, but please just leave me alone now." She moved her face behind the drawing book not wanting to look at our faces. I felt so guilty not being able to help her out when she needed something to protect her, but I still didn't know what...or who caused this regression in her personality. Axel quickly noticed my glare questioning him without even saying a word.
"Hey look just because I'm kind of hotheaded does not mean I would enjoy mental abuse. If anything you should see the "Lord" and his "Lady" about that kind of behavior!" Larxene? She did seem like the kind of person to boss and push others, but could she actually have done this to Namine? Axel figured I would want to know where she was as he began to whistle.
"Well I can't say for sure where sparky could be hiding. I'll tell you about this, Auxaq. Vexen is lurking in the hidden areas of the castle with his pals. Apparently they caught wind about that Chamber of Waking from Marluxia, but I doubt they can find it."
Are they after Ven then...
"There was some weird lab downstairs with my name on some notes." I decided to tell Axel since out of everyone he seemed like the one I can trust not to speak behind me, and not even Larxene would keep a secret away from Marluxia even if he already knew about this fact.
"So that's what he's been up to down there. Well listen we've got some time to kill how about I take a peek down there, but in the meantime you try calming down our little friend here see you in a few!" So he was going to investigate for me? I was not sure if I had to act pleased about this or not. Looking back I could see Namine was actually trying to avoid looking at my face.
"Namine, if you want to talk now would be a good time. Since no one else is around besides us I think we should discuss anything you want." She buried her face behind the pages of that notebook not answering me.
"Please don't ask me about that just leave me alone now..." Damn it I won't let her just fall back into her old shell of fear again. I took a bold move taking the book away from her so I can stare in her eyes. She needed to see that I was not going to harm her, but she needed to look me right in the face.
"Look Namine! I don't know what's happened yet I won't let you fall back into your old behavior like this." She wanted to get away from me so I took hold of her shoulders in a caring way. She didn't have any kind of injury on her face so whatever happened was nothing physical.
"I-I'm waiting for him to come here. He's going to...meet me in this castle. My friend..." Friend? Just like with Marluxia, and yet she didn't seem to pretend to really be happy about "friend" coming here. Wait a minute coming here, and there was someone named Sora that would be arriving shortly. That must mean he is that person Marluxia and Namine were talking about coming to Castle Oblivion.
"Are you happy that he will be coming Namine?" Questions were going through my head yet I knew her response was more important to learn about now. She didn't reply as her face looked at the white floor below our feet.
"Don't you want to meet him?"
"...Yes I do."
"Well I can't wait to meet him as well." My smile did not brighten Namine's mood however she was looking at me again.
"This is what she wants as well, after all we are two parts of the same person." The same person? I wanted her to explain what she meant, but once more she was avoiding me going to pick up the notebook on the ground. Perhaps I should lay off the questions for now she doesn't seem like talking anymore. I just sighed and looked at some of her drawings over the walls of the castle.
'Not bad for a nobody her age.' Each drawing while simple had a theme going on in the picture. A few pictures had the images of a boy fighting black shadows with yellow eyes, and that could only mean they were the heartless. I also took notice of the object in his hands...it looked just like the shape of a key.
"That boy, the image of a key, and fighting with those shadows could it be the person coming here?" My question was not answered by Namine who was just creating another painting to hang up to see as the portal of darkness revealed someone else I was anxious to see Larxene. My nobody besty just chuckled at the sight of the artwork decorating the room.
"Oh my is that supposed to actually be artwork. Well I suppose you should get a pass for being so terrible at your drawing talents!" It was not until that comment came out that I remembered how cruel she could be towards younger people, and that included both somebodies along with hollow beings like us nobodies.
"It's not like insulting her will make those drawings improve. Besides I'm sure you were not that good at things when you were little as a somebody." Even if we were on good terms I would not put up with this much bullying.
"Hah that's adorable! I don't care about who I was, but the fact you're protecting this half-pint is cute." She was not going to change herself without a heart that much was clear, but I could not like Namine's mood get any worse. Larxene just drank some coffee looking at the sphere in the room.
"So Namine, are you ready to meet that hero of yours?" She smirked looking down at the girl bringing up a look of disgust on my face. The younger nobody just shook her head agreeing with Larxene. That's when I saw the sphere showing the image of the doors of the castle open, and I took in my first look at this Sora. He seemed to have a lot of spiked-hair much like Axel, his clothing seemed very unique in style, and those eyes of his were shining with the color blue.
"Hey, ya think it's okay to just barge in?"
"But, we gotta do it, if we're gonna find the king."
Those are Sora's friends most likely Marluxia did tell us he would not be coming here alone. I also took notice of this "king" and Riku the trio were speaking about looking for in this castle. They didn't seem very frightening for a bunch of heroes, but I could tell they all were good friends. Still as I got a better look at Sora he reminded me of someone from my regained memories.
"All right! Let's go investigate this place starting over there."
"Hey! Where are going Sora?"
"To the door are ya scared?"
"Aw, don't be ridiculous! Come on, let's go, Goofy!"
"Hey, fellahs, shouldn't we shut the door behind us before we go?"
The door behind them revealing Marluxia under his hood likely to disguise himself. He seems to now be using the knowledge about his friends to lure him into the higher levels. I doubted Riku and this "king" were in the castle, but Namine however was a different matter. Would he really come so far into oblivion just to meet her?
"So it begins..." Larxene stopped pestering Namine as much like myself we all looked on at the event showing on the sphere. I took notice of the duck trying to do a spell, but he could not produce any magic. The nymph just looked over at Namine with a grin.
"That would be the work of our little nobody here, none of us want things go be too easy for Sora and his pals. After all why not have some fun with the kid while he's in our place." Is that how he lost his power? Did Namine erase his memories that allowed him to use that power? Sora was quick to wonder about what happened, because of my standing I already figured the answer Marluxia would give to the boy.
"I should think it's obvious. The moment you set foot in this castle, you forgot every spell and ability you knew... In this place, to find is to lose and to lose is to find. That is the way in Castle Oblivion."
Namine removed her head from the notebook when her ears caught wind of that line. As their conversation went on I knew Marluxia was using Sora's desires as bait to lead him deeper in the castle, but I was beginning to think Namine was the key to whatever his endgame would become later. Larxene was just having the time of her life as Sora had no clue what was really going on.
"It seems our Lord has really pulled him in, and so it's up to us to keep him on the right course. I suppose Axel will get the first dibs, them I can "play" with the toy, but do you want in on this action is something I wanna know XV."
"Naturally, but it's simple curiosity for the keyblade wielder's potential." She didn't believe me as her glare implied, but she waved me off for now. Looking back I saw Marluxia phase through Sora's body collecting his memories to craft into cards, and much like what I did he will need to traverse in the worlds of his past.
"To reunite with those you hold dear..."
"What is this a card?"
"It is a promise for the reunion you seek. Hold the card to open the door, and beyond it lies a new world."
Namine stared deeply at that image of Sora now, but I wondered if she really wanted to see him or was it part of this plan. My first impressions were that of a child having a new destiny in his hands, but one who still had a lot to learn about the trials of being a warrior of the keyblade. There was only the relationship he has with another wielder in our Roxas.
"Sora...so you're coming after all." Namine's whisper came out as she continued watching the monitor.
"Proceed Sora, to lose and claim anew, or to claim anew only to lose..."
The brown-haired boy became hooked on Marluxia's bait and began his journey to find those he cared about in the castle. I sighed knowing this meant I would have to choose a side, Namine went back into her shell hiding behind her book, and Larxene enjoyed watching Sora get manipulated by the head of our group. As he lured into the first room crafted by his memories I wanted to take advantage of my partnership with number XII.
"Hey Larxy! What do you know about the secrets in Vexen's lab?" She looked at me with a more serious expression on her face. It was clear she had some knowledge that I wanted to learn about, and yet I feared she use it in a demanding way like Marluxia.
"Why do you want to know? Don't tell me you don't want to remain a mindless puppet anymore?"
"What are you-"
"I suppose it will not hurt to let you in on Vexen's little secret. Still I wonder what you're going to do for me in return."
"What do you want?"
"There is nothing you can do actually! It's what you have to give that's more valuable dear friend of mine." I frowned gazing at the blonde directly before giving a reply.
"I want to know everything about the Graceful Assassin, our Lord of the Castle, and your king Marluxia." My eyes moved towards a certain picture of Namine's gallery. One with the image of two girls in black, and the blue-haired figure was giving the blonde girl a heart.
Destiny Islands: Forest Area ( Kairi's POV )
Today should have been like any other one for my training as a future keyblade warrior. I must become ready to the grueling pain of failure in some areas, excitement about becoming stronger, and perhaps seeing a future with all of my friends again yet that is not what is popping up in my head now. The revelation about the man Xehanort left me very stunned. Apparently he was one of the people who used to live on these islands.
"No one is sure if he is still around, but there was a rumor he was in the former Radiant Garden with Ansem the Wise. He could have become one of his apprentices, but considering his age that was impossible." Leon told me the basic rumors there were many other theories about him and if he's still alive or not. I could not shake this feeling that there was something more to all of this, and this feeling I became filled with was dread and fear about the man named Xehanort.
'His research sounded a lot like that Fake Ansem's work which nearly lead to the end of all worlds.' To think that someone else could want to bring about such a horrible thing I guess that's why us bearers of the keyblade got chosen.
I also took in some history about other warriors that existed before Sora and myself took in this fabled weapon. I did remember that girl who saved me when I was little, but I don't know about other ones until Yuffie told me about the "Keyblade War" of legend.
"I don't know much about it honestly, but the fact is a graveyard filled with the blades that took part in that great battle for Kingdom Hearts. Some believe the spirits of the fallen warriors still haunt that place, some think that someone else tried to open the doorway into Kingdom Hearts, and only a few think the χ-blade is the key into Kingdom Hearts."
"The χ-blade?" I tilted my head as Yuffie was explaining this folk tale about what some considered the original keyblade.
"Yeah Kairi, but I don't know a lot about it you should probably talk with Yen Sid about this kind of stuff. He's one of those wise-old guys and he even met the "king" several years ago."
"Yen Sid?" Leon walked up to me with a wooden blade in his hand. It was time for more training in combat then here comes some more bruises for my skin...
"He lives in his old tower, and for people like you he's a mentor for young students of the keyblade. I believe you will meet him soon however that can wait until you're ready. Once you get the basics down we will travel to greet him. There you will understand more about your future and learn what you must do as the next chosen warrior."
As I got into my battle stance I began to wonder if this what I really want from my life. The threat of darkness overcome worlds, having to save the people in need, not being able to hang around with the ones I care about, and the fact my life would constantly be in danger. Such is the role of a key-bearer and I knew this was a choice I could not refuse. Still I hoped one day I can enjoy living in peace without such problems to deal with back on the shores of these islands with Riku and Sora.
"Stop daydreaming!"
Before I could defend myself the wooden blade came down on my face knocking me down with some blood coming from my face. That's the second time I had to suffer for drifting off into somewhere else a better place. Naturally Leon was looking down at me expecting his student to get back up on her own. My body took longer than he expected to return to proper form, but I was not going to let him down.
"When are you going to get it straight? This is not a game either you want to become a keyblade master or stay an ordinary school student!" Tch that's easy for you to say Leon! You're not juggling friends, school responsibilities, and keyblade training at the same time. My legs began to wobble, slowly, but I still managed to block the next few strikes by Leon's fake sword.
"Your want to become a warrior needs improvement! I can see in your eyes that you're not taking this seriously..." He suddenly moved his blade down to slash at my arms forcing me to deflect it, but I almost fell over leaving me unable to block the next hit to my chest from his boots. Yuffie stood up looking concerned about my safety.
"Hey Leon are you sure that kind of force is necessary? I mean she is still learning after all."
I didn't often hear her come to my defense as she would usually pick on me, take up Leon's side, and or not even give me a small amount of support so today's reaction from her was a surprise. My mentor simply looked down at me before turning around dropping his weapon on the ground.
"Whatever..." He suddenly just decided to leave giving the excuse of finding some clean water to drink, but I figured he just wanted to get away from me. My body pushed itself up having the wind getting kicked out of my chest, and my breathing was trying to return to normal as well. Yuffie walked over to give me some berries that were to get eaten when my body craved food.
"Don't worry about Leon sometimes he gets a little grumpy." Yeah, but I doubt he takes out his anger with violence all the time. Well at least that's what I hoped would be the case as I put some of the berries into my mouth to digest. Yuffie joined in as it seemed like we would be having some more "girl talk" with each other. Recently I've started to appreciate talking with the self-proclaimed ninja getting some of my inner-turmoil out of my system.
"So how is your boyfriend doing?" Well that's great not even five seconds into the conversation. Sighing I knew the question would have to get answered before we can move on the another subject.
"If you mean Zidane then yes he is doing just fine. I don't know who this boyfriend person is, but my schoolmates are doing well enough. S.E.E.D exams are a different matter, and I don't know if my studying can help me pass them." To add to my current worries is the fact that should I fail then I would be spending more time with a very angry Quistis after school. I don't know how I've managed to hold myself together with these issues weighing down on me.
"You look like the walking dead today Kairi. Perhaps you should get some rest, and don't worry Leon will understand when I talk to him about-"
"No! I mean...no I can still do tonight's training don't worry." There was no way I was going to let him down with an excuse even if my body could use the sleep. Yuffie didn't but it however she knew how determined my voice was so she just let me continue on with the workout. Naturally Leon didn't let up continue to pound me into the ground, but I was able to stand back up on my own each time. The "warm-up" was then over as he wanted me to use some magic now.
"Go ahead I need to see how much you can do before you get worn out." The targets were in the form of tree limbs with painted circles on them. Leon was testing my other abilities besides simply using my weapon in combat. With a nod I closed my eyes to charge up some of my power, the surge of energy pouring through my bones, and finally the white light grew at the edge of my keyblade.
'Alright just like before in that other place...'
My eyes locked on the targets, my hand moved into place, Yuffie and Leon looked on as my light grew even more brightly before I could feel the energy get unleashed. The bursts of light flew at the targets however a lot of them completely missed the tree parts. My disappointed face looked on as only a few of the targets actually got hit with my magic.
"Do it again Kairi..."
"Hold on Leon perhaps she needs some time to get rest and-"
"I said do it again now!"
My arm was struggling to lift the blade in the air even with my determined will refusing to give up. I could feel my eyes starting to flicker shut even so I could not surrender to the pain and tired fatigue just yet. Looking at the remaining targets I poured the rest of the energy I could muster into my next attacks. Leon didn't say anything while Yuffie seemed worried about me.
"Kairi!"
My limbs topped over as I could hear the concerned voice of Yuffie asking if I was okay. My body didn't answer as just like before everything faded into darkness. Everything was so hard to see, I could feel myself drifting into a sea of black water like when all of this started. How long would I be stuck in this realm this time? For now I decided to leave my worries alone and get the rest I have to take and once more return to the world of dreams. The dream of which I've dropped into being either a nightmare of a pleasant one.
"Kairi, let's go back to the islands."
Sora?! I could see the image of someone looking at me waiting to get up and follow him, but my body could not do anything besides stare. I did not know if I should take his hands to rise out of the water or stay in the shore. Is this another dream or perhaps something more...
[ Sorry I've taken so long for this one guys. I've tried a new method to produce chapter updates faster, and hopefully it can help me get the rest of this story done more quickly. Anyway thanks for reading this or my other works. Leon's kind of acting like a jerk, but the reason will become clear soon.]